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We fall into a silence. Nolan’s attention turns to the window behind me, while mine drifts over to the bowl of warm water. I watch the tendrils of steam wafting out as I try to think of something suitable to say, but my mind has become devoid of words.
“It’s very late,” Nolan finally says. I suppose commenting on the time is as good as anything, especially since I could think of nothing myself. Pointless conversation is certainly better than tense silence.
“Yeah, it is.” I would love to extend my response, but I don’t know how. All I can think of is to say it’s dark, but I doubt that would further our conversation.
“If you need to stay here for the night, you’re more than welcome to do so.”
I whirl around, my mouth hanging agape. “You want me to stay for the night?”
Nolan cringes at my expression, his dimpled cheeks tinging with crimson. “I didn’t mean it like that. I was just thinking that with your arm being injured and it being so late... And there are several spare rooms upstairs.”
“Oh.”
Now it’s my turn to redden. I can’t believe I interpreted his words like that.
“I drank a lot of wine tonight,” I tell him, though I’m not sure it’s a good enough excuse.
He laughs. “It’s fine. It’s my fault for not realizing how that would sound.”
“No, that was definitely my fault.”
We pause again. Nolan breaks it before it stretches on for too long.
“Anyway,” he says, “the offer stands. But I will completely understand if you would rather not.”
I hate how there’s a part of me that wants to spend the night with Nolan—
In his tavern, I mean. In one of the guest rooms.
Before I can lose good sense, I swiftly reply, “Thank you for your kind offer, but I will have to decline. My Mage Trials are taking place this week, and I really should head home. If my father learns I’ve been out drinking all night during such a critical time, then he will be furious.”
“I understand.”
The chair legs scrape against the tiles as I stand.
“Wait,” he says as I turn to leave.
I stop and glance back at him. “Yes?”
“I was wondering when I could see you again.”
“You want to see me again?”
His lips tug into a soft smile. “Only if you would also like to see me again.”
“Yeah,” I say, the words spilling off my tongue before I can realize, “I would like to.”
“Then will you come by tomorrow?”
“My second Mage Trial is on Wednesday morning, so I won’t be able to stay for too long. But I’m sure I could spare an hour or two.”
“Great,” he breathes, “then I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
Dizzying warmth sweeps over me. My knees feel like soft clouds beneath me as I stare into his mesmerizing emerald eyes. The distance between us feels too small, despite us being farther apart than before.
“As do I,” I whisper.
Our gazes hold. My heart thumps with anticipation.
